The Teacher's Frustration, and a Promise

In the magical communication projection, Ophelia wore a deep, contemplative gaze after learning about the events at Thornflower Castle.

"Hmm, so that's how it is..."

"I'll report to Father immediately. I hope you can stabilize the situation there as soon as possible. With neighboring countries showing subtle movements, the Empire needs a stable Thornflower family to guard the northern border."

Her tone was formal and stern, leaving Evelyn with little choice but to nod helplessly.

"Oh, alright, understood..."

Luo Wei quietly observed his surroundings. Ever since Ophelia appeared, her words had carried subtle hints, intentionally or not, sparking imaginations.

Yet she never explicitly stated anything. After all, the two were old acquaintances, and a familiar tone was only natural.

As for how others interpreted it—well, that wasn’t her concern. Everything she said was true: the Emperor was indeed concerned about Thornflower Castle’s situation, and she genuinely wanted to catch up with Evelyn, whom she hadn’t seen in a while.

Just before the magical communication ended, Ophelia casually added,

"Having quite the enjoyable trip, aren’t you?"

"Huh?" Evelyn found the remark odd—it didn’t seem directed at her.

Sure enough, Ophelia’s pale eyes flicked toward Luo Wei, her lips curling into a faint smirk. "So much fun that you don’t even want to come home, huh?"

"Uh..." Luo Wei glanced at the wreckage around them. Even if I wanted to, I can’t exactly go back now...

"Alright, enough chatter." Ophelia smiled faintly. "See you in the Royal Capital."

The magical projection vanished instantly. Evelyn turned to Luo Wei with a light chuckle.

"That last bit sounded a little... jealous, didn’t it?"

Luo Wei tried to deflect. "Well... maybe there’s something urgent in Saint Callen?"

"She’s reminding you to hurry back," Evelyn mused inwardly. "It hasn’t even been that long—just a few days staying with me, and she’s already upset. How petty."

Luo Wei gave an awkward laugh. "You’re so perceptive, Teacher."

Evelyn shot him an exasperated look before turning to Tilis. "Perceptive? Right now, I’m just a puppet in the hands of schemers like you. You’re not just after the Thornflower dukedom, are you? What’s your real goal?"

Tilis met her gaze, recalling Ophelia’s instructions, and her expression grew serious.

"Ophelia is worried about the coming war."

"While I’ve never cared much for that so-called ‘Saintess,’ this time... it’s different. She’s become far stronger than before, and the Holy Light Church has been revitalized. It seems she truly intends to spread the Holy Light to every corner of the world. In other words..."

"In other words," Luo Wei murmured, "the big storm is coming..."

This wasn’t just a simple encirclement against Wegener—it was a religious war poised to sweep across the entire continent.

Tilis’s motives were straightforward. She had always worked toward her vision of a "better new world," even toiling day and night to modify that magisteam engine. As for Ophelia...

Her intentions weren’t hard to guess—she was preparing for the pinnacle of power.

"I know this goes against your love for freedom," Tilis said, staring unblinkingly at Evelyn.

"But this time, I have a feeling that if we don’t stop that fanatical woman, everything here will fall under her control. The age of the Church will return—a true nightmare for all of you non-humans."

Evelyn suddenly snapped, "Enough! Spare me the grand speeches."

Tilis was taken aback. Unlike earlier, when everyone had been putting on a show in front of her, Evelyn’s mood had now soured completely.

"What does this world’s fate matter to me?" Evelyn scoffed. "I’ve been perfectly happy living my life. I don’t need a throne to fight over, and I’m not some lofty idealist like you, dreaming of changing the world."

"If this is your way of convincing me, forget it." Her eyes flashed with irritation as she looked away.

Tilis smiled wryly. Ophelia really miscalculated this time.

She was a master schemer, used to dealing with political creatures who craved power. But Evelyn wasn’t like them—she was free-spirited and unrestrained.

Frustrated, Evelyn turned to Luo Wei. "Luo Wei, this all boils down to one thing—if you need me, I’ll do it."

"So tell me now," she locked eyes with him, "do you need me? Do you want me to become the Thornflower Duchess?"

Luo Wei rarely saw his teacher so solemn. For a brief moment, he hesitated under her gaze.

But soon, he nodded firmly. "Teacher, I need you. I want you to take that position."

"Fine!"

Without hesitation, Evelyn agreed.

Luo Wei exhaled in relief.

But then, Evelyn added, "But you have to promise me one thing in return. That’s only fair."

"What is it?" Luo Wei asked curiously.

"I haven’t decided yet..." Evelyn muttered in annoyance. "You all sprang this huge scheme on me without even asking. Even if it’s not a bad deal, it’s still infuriating."

"And another thing!" She narrowed her eyes, leaning closer to Luo Wei’s face. "The more I think about it, the more I realize—Ophelia played this brilliantly. If I become Duchess, I’ll be swamped with family affairs and won’t have time for you. Meanwhile, you’ll be in the Royal Capital with her every day. Did she plan this to keep me away?"

"No, no." Evelyn’s expression darkened. "I’m getting the short end of the stick here! This is a terrible deal!"

"Don’t worry, Teacher!" Luo Wei patted his chest earnestly. "I’ve already mastered teleportation magic. Once I perfect it, distance won’t be an issue—just like Tilis."

"Hmph!" Evelyn crossed her arms. "Easy for you to say. But don’t think I’ll let this slide! Not a chance! This favor you owe me—I’ll make sure it’s something good!"

She then scrutinized Luo Wei up and down, her gaze so intense it sent shivers down his spine.

"Teacher, you look like you’re about to devour me..." Luo Wei mumbled. "What are you planning to do?"

"Oh, just..." Her expression turned sinister.

"Just what...?"

"Just turning you into my Vampire Slave and tormenting you day and night, of course!"

Luo Wei sighed. "Teacher, you never change..."

"Ha! Scared now, aren’t you?" Evelyn smirked threateningly.

"Teacher, I’m terrified," Luo Wei said, feigning fear.

"Good, you should be scared!" Evelyn finally showed a satisfied expression. "Anyway, I still haven't decided yet, so you’ll just have to stay on edge. When I finally make up my mind, you better not back out—no matter how difficult it is, you’ll make it happen!"

"Fine..." Luo Wei sighed helplessly. "Who told me I owe you?"

While the two were whispering, Tilis finally grew impatient. "Enough flirting, you two! Those old geezers have already fled!"

"What?" Everyone quickly looked around, and sure enough, the eight elder vampires of Meizi were no longer in the banquet hall.

But their escape wasn’t entirely hidden—they had merged into the Blood Mist, which was now surging rapidly toward the outside of the castle.

"After them!"

Tilis’ figure soared into the air once more, and in an instant, she stood atop the highest tower of Thornflower Castle.